Daviess County Visitor’s Bureau Has a NEW Website!

The Daviess County Visitor’s Bureau is dedicated to reconnecting our community and things are just getting started.

We’re proud to announce our new website, which includes more local resources and information. We now have tools to automatically include content, events, and information from participating local businesses through our partnership with Locable.

On our new website, you'll be able to:

·         Easily find information about local businesses Daviess County Directory

·         See and add community activities & events on our Community Calendar Daviess County Calendar

·         Look for updates and local stories at the News | Daviess County Visit page that shares local projects and stories announced through media partners

“The Daviess County Visitors Bureau recognized the need for a new website to enhance the visitor experience and better showcase the unique attractions and offerings of the area,” said Executive Director, Amber Warden. “The previous site lacked modern functionality and did not effectively communicate the local events happening daily in Daviess County.” The hope is to create a user-friendly platform that not only informs potential visitors about local events, dining, and accommodations but also inspires them to explore what the county has to offer. By improving accessibility and visual appeal, the goal is to increase tourism and foster a stronger community connection.

Moving forward, the Daviess County Visitor Bureau intends to help small businesses and organizations use the tools included to simplify marketing on their own websites, social media, and beyond. Organizations and businesses that create their free Locable account, will gain a free microsite and will automatically gain access to publish events to our Community Calendar while sharing on their own social media pages and websites at the same time. All events listed on our website will also gain free radio advertising through Shake Broadcasting Drive Around Town community event segment, which runs three times a day, seven days a week.

For more information on Locable, marketing tips, and the free tools available for your business, visit www.locable.com and be sure to sign up to participate. Join Daviess County Visitors Bureau in Supporting Local!

Once you sign up, be sure to click here for guidance on setting things up in your account!

Overall, the website not only boosts tourism but also strengthens the community's pride, creating a win-win situation for both residents and local businesses/organizations. By inviting everyone to experience the county's unique charm, the Daviess County Indiana Visitors Bureau is poised to make a lasting impact on the local economy and community spirit.

ODON BUSINESS ALLIANCE REORGANIZING

ODON —A northern Daviess County business organization is looking to regroup.

For years, the Odon Business Alliance acted as the focal point for programs and festivals in the community.

Now many of the board members have resigned.

“They are trying to keep it going. The past board has kind of retired, so they are going to restructure the organization and try to keep it going,” said former board member Morgan Wininger. “Insurance had gone up and that became an issue for us. Our events had grown, so the insurance went up with that growth. Our membership is still there. We just couldn’t get enough help.”

The Odon Business Alliance put on several events each year, but as the board began to dwindle, the responsibility and time to put on those events grew heavier on those who were left.

“We would do the Easter egg hunt at the park, Chalk up the Town, the Pumpkin Festival and the parade,” said Wininger. “Those are pretty time-intensive events. The planning was the hard part. We had help the day of the events to carry them out. The planning just got to be a lot.”

Organizers believe the Odon Business Alliance and its events have a future and they have asked for Director of the Daviess County Visitors and Tourism Bureau Amber Warden to lead the reorganization effort.

“They were a board of four people. They did a great job and they put on great events, but they needed more people to get involved and help them out,” said Warden. “They have asked me to help rebuild the organization. I’m looking for new board members. I am hoping for at least 10. So far, I have three people on board and we are looking for more. This has to be sustainable and it requires people who want to see businesses succeed in Odon.”

Even with the need for new leadership, people recognize the Odon Business Alliance still has a place.

“The original goal of the business alliance was to bring people to the businesses in Odon. I think the people will miss the events if the organization is gone,” said Wininger. “I hope there is a future for the organization. Our pumpkin festival was huge. The Easter egg hunt was a big event.”

“Anyone who has an interest in the Odon Business Alliance should reach out to me. You can call 812-254-1500,” said Warden.

Article published by Mike Grant for the Washington Times Herald.

WARDEN NAMED DAVIESS COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Daviess County Visitor’s Bureau is excited to announce the appointment of Amber Warden as the new executive director, effective Jan. 1 , 2025.

Warden comes to the Daviess County Visitor’s Bureau with over two years of experience with Discover Downtown Washington, and having previously held a key position at Daviess County Economic Development Corporation as a community coordinator. Her passion for enhancing community and visitor experiences and her commitment to supporting local businesses make her an ideal fit for this role. Warden is poised to lead the bureau in promoting Daviess County as a Southern Indiana tourism destination.

Bob Grewe, director of the DCEDC, said, “Considering the emerging intersection of economic development and quality of life concerns, we are eager to align our efforts with the Daviess County Tourism Commission. Developing and promoting events for people to visit Daviess County is a fundamental initiative for attracting new residents to our community.”

In her new role, Warden will focus on developing strategic marketing campaigns, enhancing visitor experiences, and collaborating with local businesses and organizations to promote the rich culture, history, events, and natural beauty of Daviess County. She is committed to building a strong tourism economy that supports the community and enhances the quality of life for residents.

“I am thrilled to join the Daviess County Visitor’s Bureau and to work with such a dedicated team,” said Warden. “I look forward to engaging with our community, promoting our unique offerings, and attracting visitors to experience all that Daviess County has to offer.”

Warden holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee with a focus on management and marketing. Her deep understanding of the industry and her community-focused approach will help guide the bureau in its mission to promote and enhance the visitor experience in Daviess County.

“We are looking forward to our new partnership with Daviess County Economic Development,” says Marilyn McCullough, tourism commission president. “We are excited about collaborating with them to help maximize our investments in activities throughout our county. The board feels that the partnership will be the best in advocating Daviess County tourism locally, regionally and on the state level.”

Currently, the visitor’s bureau phone number and email address is being updated. To reach out for immediate assistance, please call Warden at 812-254-1500, or email [email protected]. For more information about the Daviess County Visitor’s Bureau and upcoming initiatives, please visit www.visitdaviesscounty.com.

Article published by Mike Grant for the Washington Times Herald.